Spinal Pathology

Question 1

Where does the spinal cord end and what is it called

Answer 1

Conus medullaris at L1

Cauda equina continues past this

Question 2

Causes of cauda equina syndrome

Answer 2

Central disk prolapse at L4/5/S1 (most common)

Tumours

Infection (diskitia or abscess)
Trauma

Question 3

Symptoms of cauda equina

Answer 3

Lower back pain and sciatic pain
Saddle and perinatal parasthesia or anaesthesia
Decreased anal tone and bowel incontinence
Urinary retention, urinary incontinence

Question 4

Examinations and ix for cauda equina

Answer 4

Lumbar sacral MRI
Post void bladder scan

Don’t forge pt DRE